DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ANNUAL EVENTS 2018

22 March 2018

Whether you dance the night away with costumed characters at Carnival celebrations in Santiago and La Vega or dance to pulse-pounding merengue at festivals in the New World’s first city, Dominican Republic has it all

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ANNUAL EVENTS 2018 - Whether you dance the night away with costumed characters at Carnival celebrations in Santiago and La Vega or dance to pulse-pounding merengue at festivals in the New World’s first city, Dominican Republic has it all. Pack your bags and join in on any of the unforgettable events Dominican Republic offers each year. For the most current event listings with confirmed dates, please visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website and event calendar at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com//events/upcoming

ALL YEAR-ROUND January– December Santo Domingo de Fiesta: A free outdoor show with Dominican folk dancers that begins at 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at the Plaza de España in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.

January– December Grupo Bonyé at the Colonial City: Free musical performances of merengue, jazz and son held every Sunday in the Ruinas de San Francisco, Santo Domingo Colonial City, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

JANUARY

Jan – Dec - Santo Domingo de Fiesta: The free outdoor show begins at 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at the Plaza de España in the Colonial Zone

Jan – Dec - Arts & Crafts Fair in Colonial City: The craft fair is held at Plazoleta Fray Bartolome de las Casas every Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Shoppers can view and purchase a selection of Dominican-made fine arts and crafts.

Jan - Laser Midwinter Regatta: The annual Regatta is held in Cabarete, the Kite-boarding Capital of the World, and marks the start of the world’s Laser Regatta calendar.

Jan - Professional Baseball Championships Semi-finals: Fans can take in the post-season and watch Dominican baseball greats in the annual winter playoffs. www.lidom.com/calendario.htm

Jan - The Parade of the Three Kings: Celebrates the epiphany twelve days after Christmas on Calle El Conde in the historic Colonial Zone, located in Santo Domingo.

Nature Tourism Week Scheduled for January 2018

The second Nature Tourism Week will be held from January 11 to 15, 2018, at the Natura Bass Marina and Hatillo Lake, in San Cristobal, situated less than an hour west of the capital city of Santo Domingo. The event is organized by the Miguel L. De Peña Garcia Foundation, with the support of the Dominican Agribusiness Board. The program will include a panel on how to attract international bass fishing enthusiasts. The event will also include, January 13-14, an international bas fishing event at the Nature Bass Marina. Bass fishing continues to grow in the Dominican Republic.

Jan-Mar - Humpback Whales Observation Season: View the 3,000 to 5,000 whales that migrate to the waters of the Bay of Samaná on a guided boat tour or at the land observatory. Between January 15th and March 25th each year, thousands of humpback whales of the North Atlantic population migrate to the Samana Bay region, located on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. Tour operators provide boat excursions deep into the bay so visitors may witness these large, warm blooded mammals as they play in the sea. Many tour operators also provide educational commentary about the whales during each excursion.

January Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night, enjoy African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena, rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial

January 20 – 22 Caribbean Laser Midwinter Regatta: The Annual Caribbean Laser Midwinter Regatta kicks off the world’s Laser Regatta calendar every January in Cabarete, the Kiteboarding Capital of the World. This event attracts top sailors from around the world and is hosted by the Laser Training Centre with the assistance of the Dominican Sailing Federation. www.caribwind.com

FEBRUARY

February – March Dominican Carnival: With origins dating back to 1520, Dominican Carnival is a tradition inherited from Spanish forefathers. Celebrated every Sunday of February, carnival parades and entertainment vary by city, among them Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Río San Juan, Bonao, Constanza, La Vega, Montecristi, Samaná, Higüey, La Romana, Santiago and Santo Domingo. La Vega is home to the most popular celebration in Dominican Republic. www.cultura.gob.do

February Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night, enjoy African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena, rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial

February Barceló Desalia Festival: Every year Ron Barceló Desalia gathers more than 5,000 visitors in a majestic event with a musical line-up formed by the best of the international electronic music scene, in the best beaches of the Caribbean. www.viveahoradesalia.com

February 8 – 12 National Craft Fair: Local artists sell at the Fortaleza Ozama in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo a varied selection of Dominican handmade crafts. www.cultura.gob.do

Procigar Festival 2018 - The annual Procigar Festival will be held from 18-24 February, 2018 in Santiago, the country’s second largest city, and in the eastern city of La Romana, home to “Casa de Campo,” one of the Caribbean’s top resorts. In La Romana and Santiago – also known as the “Cigar Capital of the World” – participants will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the world’s top-brand cigars, become familiar with the tobacco-making industry, and participate in other tobacco industry-related events. The five-day program will include educational seminars and programs on the tobacco industry, and will provide plenty of entertainment, leisurely activities and endless possibilities to enjoy some of the world’s top-rated cigars. The upcoming Festival will also include a visit to Punta Cana – one of the Caribbean’s top tourism destinations – and participants will be able to go snorkelling and horseback riding, among other activities. www.Procigar.org

February 23 – 27 Master of the Ocean: Annual competition of water sports held in Cabarete, on Dominican Republic’s north coast. The event declares a “Master of the Ocean” or “Team Master of the Ocean” based on four categories - surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and Stand Up Paddle (SUP). www.masteroftheocean.com

Feb – Mar - Dominican Carnival: With origins dating back to 1520, Dominican Carnival is a tradition inherited from Spanish forefathers and each city has a unique celebration with parades every Sunday of the month. Famous cities for festive Dominican Carnival celebrations, include Puerto Plata, Rio San Juan, Constanza, La Vega, Montecristi, Samaná; Higuey, La Romana, La Vega, Santiago and Santo Domingo.

Feb 27 - Dominican Independence Day of 1844 Parade: The parade begins at 4 p.m. along the Avenue of the Malecón resting alongside the Caribbean Sea in the capital city, Santo Domingo.

23-27 Feb - The 15th Master of the Ocean 2018: Playa Cabarete, Puerto Plata. Known as the triathlon of wave riding, because it combines surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing and Stand Up Paddle (SUP). bringing together professionals from the Dominican Republic and international athletes, specialized in these four disciplines.

MARCH

March Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night enjoy, African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena, rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial

March 4 Punta Cana Carnival: Visitors and locals alike celebrate the carnival in Puntacana Village every March. The annual parade features carnival groups from throughout the country, costumed characters and live performances. www.puntacana.com

March 5 National Carnival Parade: Held along the Malecón of Santo Domingo, typical carnival characters from around Dominican Republic troop in colourful sync, creating an unforgettable show. www.cultura.gob

March March 2018

Taste Santo Domingo: The most complete gastronomic event in the country where the audience can enjoy multiple activities such as wine tasting, dinners, private events and award ceremonies. Also, the excellent cuisine that Dominican Republic offers, along with wines and spirits. www.tastesantodomingo.com

March 24 Caribbean Cigar Night: With the country’s longstanding history of producing some of the finest cigars in the world, this event, held in Puerto Plata, attracts a wide audience to learn about and sample some of the most prestigious local and international brands. The event also offers fine dining and live music. www.cigarnightpop.com

March 28 – 31 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Santo Domingo joins the exclusive list of the few international cities to host the elite Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Here, designers of national and international fame will showcase their collections. www.mbfashionweek.com

APRIL

April Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night, enjoy African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena, rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial

E OCEAN GODDESS RETREAT

Apr 5, 2018 - Apr 9, 2018 Puerto Plata: The Ocean Goddess Retreat, Cabarete- Let the Ocean be your Playground. A retreat that will get you on the water, as well as fit and healthy - all without the guys! Hosted by a team of professionals, you will spend your days doing water sports, eating yummy food, doing yoga and much more. http://www.oceangoddessretreat.com/

April 21 – May 2 International Book Fair: The fair is held at the Plaza de la Cultura in Santo Domingo. Writers, editors, speakers and experts participate in this event. www.cultura.gob.do

MAY

May 3 – 5 April - Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE):

Participants will meet at the Barceló Bávaro Convention Centre, Dominican Republic. Buyers will have the opportunity to meet, at their discretion, with more than 150 different suppliers of Dominican tourism products and services. http://www.drdate.net/app/frontpage.aspx

May 4 – 7 Web.com Tour: Play along cliffs, lakes and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea in the field designed by Tom Fazio - Los Corales Golf Club - at the Puntacana Resort & Club, the new home of the popular golf tournament Web.com Tour. Here professional golfers, who have not yet reached reach the PGA Tour, compete to win the entrance card to the famous PGA Tour, celebrated in the USA. www.pgatour.com

Dominican Republic Golf Open - The Dominican Republic Professional Golf Open will take place at Teeth of the Dog in La Romana this year. The tournament is scheduled for May 2018. The tournament is operated under the PGA Tour Latin America (Nec Series Tour). The PGA has been backing the Dominican Republic Open for the past two years.

JUNE

June Expo Turismo Santiago: Held at the Gran Almirante Convention Centre in Santiago, this holiday fair involves airlines, cruise lines, tour operators and hotels that will offer attractive rates and tour packages, providing the public the opportunity to take advantage of special rates.

June Aventúrate: Celebrated at the Botanical Garden of Santo Domingo, Aventúrate is a sustainable alternative tourism fair, where more than 50 small and medium enterprises will be offering products and services that enrich tourism alternative national. From 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information go to www.aventurate.do

June Caribbean Tourism Exchange (BTC): The BTC is held at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Casino in Santo Domingo and aims to market, promote and sell tourism products and services. www.btc.com.do June Barbarella: One of the biggest electronic music events in the Dominican Republic, and it is presented by Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, which has had the commitment to do this kind of entertainment events for thousands of followers and consumers.. www.barbarellabypresidente.com

Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel and Casino and the Sheraton Santo Domingo Hotel will host the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and in association with Questex Travel Group for the fourth edition of the Latin America Meeting & Incentive Travel Exchange (LAMITE) from 19-22 June, 2018. This event will feature individual private appointments, with an educational and culturally immersive component activities and receptions.

"Hosting LAMITE in the Dominican Republic will be an excellent opportunity to show our exquisite country to the growing Latin American audience of meeting planners." The providers at the event will represent cruise lines, tour operators, destination management companies and incentive destinations, hotels, resorts and spas around the world. Questex's Global Meetings and Incentive Travel Events (GMITE) have proven successful by offering one-on-one meetings, first-line training offered through SITE and MPI, and networking opportunities for meeting and event planning professionals such as well as incentive buyers.

July

North Coast Town of Puerto Plata to host first Dominican Rum Festival - The Puerto Plata Destination Tourism Cluster will host the first “Dominican Rum Festival” from July 5 to 7, 2018. The festival will be held in “Puntilla Park,” in the city’s oceanside drive, and its goal is to highlight the top-quality rums produced in the Dominican Republic. Festival organizers announced that they plan to celebrate the innovative event every year to promote the thriving Dominican Republic rum industry. The event agenda will include concerts, seminars, workshops, tours, and food tasting activities.

AUGUST

August Verano Presidente: The Cervecería Nacional Dominicana celebrates summer with spice space where the audience will experience every weekend the most exciting parties and surprises. Live musical performances, games, national and international DJs, a special assembly, among other attractions. www.presidente.com.do

August 13 XTERRA Triathlon: The international organization XTERRA made Dominican Republic part of the international circuit of competitions of Off Road Triathlon and Trail Run, the most important one of its kind. This event will be held at Casa Bonita, in Barahona. www.xterradr.com

SEPTEMBER

September ASONAHORES Trade Show: The annual trade show, held in Punta Cana, promotes goods and services offered by the local hotel and restaurant suppliers. The program also includes cooking contests, food tastings, auctions, event and product launches and more. www.asonahores.com

September Palito Seco: A sailing competition in the magnificent Bay of Barahona. Enjoy the sweet tropical winds and waves of the beautiful beaches of Barahona, in a sporting and relaxed atmosphere. The categories that participate are Laser (Radial and Standard), Optimist, Sunfish, and Windsurfing and Paddle categories.

September 10 – 15 DR Golf Travel Exchange: Held at Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe, in Punta Cana, DR Golf Travel Exchange displays all facilities and advantages that Dominican Republic offers in golf tourism through its unique courses and workshops - allowing a meeting between the national hotel sector and international tour operators, agents travel and trade press in different media. www.drgolftravel.com

OCTOBER

October Discover Puerto Plata Marketplace: The annual event promotes Puerto Plata among the national and international markets, highlighting it as a complete and diversified Caribbean destination with a wide variety of accommodation options, excursions and tours. www.discoverpuertoplata.com

October – January Dominican Winter Professional Baseball: The Winter season kicks off with the Dominican Professional Baseball games taking place all across the country starting in October. Upon the end of the season, the Caribbean Series features the champion teams of Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Venezuela. www.lidom.com

October Dominicana Moda: Dominican fashion is celebrated for one week in October. Top designers and brands showcase their seasonal lines in continuous runway shows. The event is going to be held for the first time at the Colonial City of Santo Domingo. www.dominicanamoda.com

NOVEMBER

22nd Dominican Republic Jazz Festival – 2018 dates - The 22nd Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, annual cultural event held in Santo Domingo, Cabarete, Puerto Plata and Santiago; attracts large audiences who come to hear the best from international and national jazz musicians. www.drjazzfestival.com

The seven nights of free concerts in 2018 will feature Dominican Republic music, culture and the arts. The festival will also host a show for the first time ever in Punta Cana, on August 24 & 25, followed by a show on October 28 in Santo Domingo, November 1 in Santiago, November 2 in Puerto Plata, and November 3 & 4 in Cabarete. Details about the musicians and festival theme will be forthcoming.

November Jazz Nights: Every Thursday night, enjoy African and Caribbean Rhythms such as plena, rumba, son, pambiche, mozambique, merengue, samba and more, all integrated with jazz. It takes place at the Escalinatas de El Conde in the Santo Domingo Colonial City at 8 p.m. www.facebook.com/tuciudadcolonial

November Santo Domingo Destino Capital: The event seeks to showcase the capital city as a contemporary and magnificent destination for travellers, as well an excellent choice for meetings, incentives, conventions and events –MICE segment. www.cometosantodomingo.com

November Puerto Plata Golf Classic: This event has quickly become a favourite between local golfers and very well received among foreign players. It takes place in the Playa Dorada Golf Course, designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones. www.ashonorte.com

About Dominican Republic -Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches. Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar. Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. You can join us on Facebook and Twitter on: http://www.facebook.com/godominicanrepublic - http://twitter.com/dominicanrep_UK Download the Go Dominican Republic App, available in the App Store and Google Play